Well we survived the fitting of the new bathroom floors but it was close. The replacement fitters arrived at 8.50 on Fridat morning - right in the middle of serving breakfast - this after we had expressly asked that the arrive no earlier that 9.30.
As we had a full house for the weekend we had said that the job must be completed by 14.00. However with a sense of rising panic I realised that at the speed they were working at - they had two speeds dead slow and stationary - that we hadn't a cat in hells chance to be finished by the time our first guests arrived. What subsequently followed could not of been pretty. I was incandesent and when one threaten to pack his tools I said I'd do it for him. I stormed in and told Elaine in real Basil Fawlty style that the were going. She of course had a fit - if they had gone it might have been a nervous breakdown.
I think however they suddenly saw their payment disappearring and decided to pull finger and surprise, surprise they were finished by 14.45.
As fate would have it they had just left when one of our potential guests (who had booked three rooms) phoned to say that as the York races had been cancelled due to the rain, they were not coming.
Fortunately we did manage to re-let two of the rooms.
Talking of the rain, it was more like the biblical flood. In 24 hours we had the equivalent of the total average rainfall for the month of June. Great for the gardens and perhaps the ducks but not much fun if you were looking to spend a weekend away from home. Still there is much to do in York even if the weather isn't playing ball.
York happenings this weekend are:
The York Bike Fair - the largest cycle show in the country - at the Racecourse.
Classic Wings and Wheels Show at the Air Museum at Elvington
Flower and Garden Festival at Castle Howard.
Also on is the Falklands War Exhibition (until October) at the Air Museum at Elvington.
Must run as the doorbell is ringing - guests arriving - so until next time, take care.
David Geary.